Jamshedpur, March 23: Pronay Halder has backed Jamshedpur FC to respond strongly in their upcoming assignment, insisting that the squad remains united and fully focused despite the recent setback.
Pronay said Jamshedpur FC’s late fightback in Delhi was a reflection of the team’s belief and character after the Men of Steel rescued a point with a dramatic equaliser against Sporting Club Delhi.
Midfielder Nikola Stojanovic struck late in the game to help Jamshedpur FC claw their way back from defeat, ensuring the visitors came away with a valuable point after a contest in which they had created enough chances to take all three.
“It was an important moment for us because we did not want to leave with nothing after the way we played,” Pronay said after the match. “Thankfully Nikolai’s shot went in and helped the team get a point, but I think the bigger feeling is that we kept believing till the end.”
Jamshedpur FC had started brightly and looked threatening for long spells, but found themselves trailing after conceding in the first half. Even then, the side kept pressing forward, with Sanan causing problems in attack and the team continuing to test Delhi’s defence through open play and set-pieces.
For Pronay, that sustained pressure was why the result felt like one that should have brought more than a draw.
“Yes, I think over the full game we deserved more,” he said. “We had good control in many phases, created chances and kept pushing even after going behind.”
The late equaliser eventually gave Jamshedpur FC a deserved reward for their persistence, while also underlining the resilience that has marked their strong start to the campaign. The Men of Steel now have 13 points from six matches and remain level on points with Mohun Bagan, who have played one game fewer.
With the international break now coming up, Pronay said the team would look to use the pause to recover and sharpen up before returning for a major clash against Mohun Bagan on April 4.
“We are in a good position, but there is still a lot of work to do,” he said. “The break will be important for us to recover, work on the small details and come back stronger.”
Jamshedpur FC have shown both quality and fight in the opening phase of the season, and Pronay believes the squad will head into the next round of fixtures with confidence.
“We know the next game is a big one, but we have confidence in ourselves and we want to be ready,” he said.
